A Low-Cost Laser-Prototyped Microfluidic Device for Separating Cells and Bacteria

Abstract

Featured Application: This study is a novel, simple, and low-cost device demonstration for cell separation applications. Simple and rapid fabrication of microfluidic devices can enable widespread implementation of lab-on-chip devices in resource-limited environments. However, currently most of the microfluidic devices are fabricated in cleanroom facilities that are well-funded and not accessible to most of the researchers in developing countries. Herein, a simple, low-cost, and reliable method is shown to fabricate microfluidic devices for separating cells and bacteria-size microparticles. For this purpose, serpentine and spiral microfluidic channels are designed and fabricated using rapid laser prototyping. This single inlet microfluidic device is shown to successfully separate yeast cells and smaller microparticles with an efficiency of 85% which is very promising for many lab-on-chip applications including cell-based diagnostics and therapeutics.